Lately, I’ve been quite dog-obsessed. I’ve always loved animals. Cats. Dogs. All of them. I go in phases. Currently, I’m obsessing over dogs. The thing that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is how little exercise many of them get and how much they really do need.
I’ve always had dogs. I haven’t always been a runner. I’ve had a variety of dogs. Miniature poodles, Lab, Samoyed, Boxers, Shih-Tzus…I’ve always taken good care of my dogs. They have never wanted for food, veterinary care, love and attention or a nice warm blanket. One thing I have been remiss about is the amount of exercise I have provided my dogs over the years. I walked my dogs (although not on a regular basis). I played with my dogs. I did all the things I thought were right to do. I probably over loved them…by over feeding them. One thing I regret now…looking back on things is that I didn’t spend enough time EXERCISING them.
A person learns a few things as they go through life. This is a lesson that I am learning everyday as I run with my dogs. I never realized just how much exercise a dog needs! Not just BIG dogs…but, little dogs, too! Today, I ran 4.53 miles in the cold. All of those miles I was accompanied by one of my dogs. Pearl got a 2 mile run, Bear-a 1 mile walk/run and Eddie-1 mile run. As each of the dogs gets into better condition, they are becoming better and better runners! I see their progress on each run. Even my old Bear! I never run him hard, in fact his *run* is a trot–he is moving faster and lighter on his feet with each time we go out. It is becoming easier for him. Little Eddie…zips through one mile like it is NOTHING to him. Pearl can easily do a 9:15min/mile run for at least 4 miles now. Athletes they definitely are. Almost all dogs are!
So…as I realize just how much these dogs are enjoying walking and running…I understand now how much they NEED to exercise. I feel bad because I have deprived my dogs of adequate exercise for a long time. I used to think that a 1 mile leisurely walk was great plenty. Ha! Was I ever WRONG about that! That is just a drop in the bucket of what most dogs are capable of doing!
I am fortunate that I don’t have any behavior problems with my dogs. I now understand what Caeser Milan means when he says that dogs NEED exercise. How can a wound-up dog designed for endurance and work sit home all day long and never get the exercise that they require? This happens too much. I visit the Humane Society…and see these wonderful dogs jumping and full of pent up energy. They don’t always present themselves very well…BECAUSE THEY NEED TO GO OUT AND BURN OFF SOME OF THIS EXCESS ENERGY!!!
Likely, none of this is a revelation for most of you. It certainly is for me. I have severely underestimated what a dog needs to be happy. Prior thinking said, “love, kisses, attention, good food, vet care, a warm blankie”…never was exercise a thought. Only a side-note. I have slowly come to this realization since starting to seriously walk and run last November. As I’ve incorporated my running habits into a lifestyle change for my dogs, I’ve witnessed the changes in them.
I see the many dogs chained in back yards. I see even more in kennel runs. Large hunting dogs, sporting breeds. Working dogs. Little yappy dogs. I know that they aren’t getting the exercise they need and desire. Then, I feel like I want to run with each and every one of them! I’m glad that I’ve seen the light when it comes to my own dogs. I hope when people see me and my dogs run by…that they will be inspired to get out there and do something with their dogs. Walking them, playing with
Waiting for a run?
Is it my turn to go for a run?
them, maybe even running with them.
There is so much more to having a dog than just loving them.
Running has helped Pearl really bond with me. She is much more in tune with me and closer to me since we’ve become running partners. She knows that when the leash comes out and the Garmin goes *BEEP* that we’ll be hitting the road. Her stumpy tail wags furiously and I know that this is good.
Truthfully I can’t remember how I stumbled onto your blog LOL but I’m so glad I did! I am just beginning a walk/run program and I’m so excited to begin! But imagine my surprise when I saw that one of your running partners was a shih tzu! I have a little 5 mo old shih tzu myself and I was wondering how they would hold up as a running partner as little as they are. Up till this point I have just taken her on little walks like you see most people with “fru-Fru” dogs do But seeing that your Eddie goes on a mile run with you gives me hope and excitement. Do you take her on any longer runs than that? and is there any special care that you do or things you use for Eddie that I could keep in mind?
I’m such a slowpoke about getting onto my blog. I occ. run with Eddie. He simply doesn’t like to leave the security of his home.
When we do get out there, we do a brisk walk first, then run for about a mile. Eddie has quite a bit of energy, and is pretty fast. Eddie can run a 9min/mile with me for one mile. He can run at a slower pace for 1.5 miles. I’m quite certain that Eddie could run further, but, he really has to move those little legs, and I don’t want to overdo things, either.
You will probably want to wait until your puppy has reached full adulthood and check with your vet first. 5 months might be pretty young to start running with your little puppy!
That being said, little dogs are a lot tougher than you think. Shih-Tzus are sturdy, hardy little dogs. They do have a bit of a smooshed face, so, cooler weather is probably better. Watch so she doesn’t overheat!
Bring water for her! Keep a close eye on her pawpads for wear and tear!
I’m sure there are other things…that I have forgotten to tell you…read up on it on the internet…lots of info about running with dogs online.
Good for you in starting to run. Besides quitting smoking (almost 3 years ago now!!!)…starting to run has been the very best thing I have ever done for myself. I can not think of anything that has made more of a positive impact on my life and health than running. I truly love it! Best wishes to you in your new adventure!